CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 15 March 1898, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

« Russia and China. The Tsung-li Yamen, the Chinese Foreign -office, declares that the demand of Russia i 3 not regarded as in the nature of an ultimatum. Russia has issued a ukase devot ing £9,000,000 to the construction of warships. It is reported that the Russian Government has refused to" grant a request made by the British Govern ment for specific information in regard to the Russian demands upon China. The Russian Ministry in Corea has complained of the disfavour shown towards the military instructors by the Corean officials. M. Alexieff, Russian Financial Agent, ha 3 given the King a day in which to answer if the services of those instructors are desired. The Times says that Britain was never less disposed to tamely brook infringement of her rights in China

and West Africa than at the- present moment. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr GurZon, Parliamentary Secretary for the Foreign Office, aaid M. Muravieff, Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs* admitted he was negotiating for the lease of Port Arthur and Talienwan, also for the right to construct the Manchurian railway. - He had further stated that Russia had not demanded sovereign rights or the power to send troops to China, and repeated the assuranoe that Talien Wan would remain open to traae. Mr Curzon declares that Britain will hold China responsible for the observance of her undertaking in regard to the concessions in the Yangtze valley region. Reports from Pekin state that Sir Claude Mac Donald, British Minister at Pekin, on. Tuesday strongly protested against the leasing of Port Arthur, on the ground that it would disturb the balance of power. The Chinese authorities replied that they were unable to withstand the pressure of Russia. The Standard considers that the evil of a timid surrender and spirit less acquiescence in the attitude of Russia in China would vastly out* weigh the advantages of a dishonourable peace. The Spectator advocates the mobilisation of a very powerful special squadron. The Governor of Manchuria is terrified at the presence of 15,000 Russian troops. He has requested the Chinese Government to send reinforcements, but no reply has been sent from Pekin. It is reported that the Corean Cabinet has decided to release M. Alexieff and the Russian military instructors from their engagements. The issue of the Chinese loan has been postponed till the 21st inst. Some of the United States newspapers discuss the desirableness of forming an alliance between the United States, Britain and Japan. The American naval officers are enthusiastic at the suggested alliance with Great Britain. The English warship Cordelia, at present coaling at Key, West Florida, was the object of a tremendous reception, the officers and men being cordially greeted.